The Assassin’s Creed series has certainly gotten into a comfortable release cycle, with the seven studios currently pumping out sequels running like whatever the equivalent for well-oiled is for game development studios. That doesn’t stop Ubisoft Montreal CEO Jean-Francois Boivin from worrying about the day when this much AC becomes too much AC.
“We can see a lot of the music games that are releasing year after year – the interest is a lot less than it used to be,” he explained. “The excitement is a lot less than it used to be. You want to keep people excited. You gotta make people miss it a bit. It’s like, ‘Oh man! I’m so happy it’s back!’ But if you keep force-feeding to people then people are like, ‘Yeah, enough of your Assassin’s Creed’.”
The Challenge of Maintaining Interest
Boivin’s concerns are not unfounded. The gaming industry has seen numerous franchises suffer from overexposure. For instance, the Guitar Hero series, once a cultural phenomenon, saw a rapid decline in interest due to annual releases that offered little innovation. The same fate befell the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, which struggled to maintain its initial popularity as new titles were released in quick succession without significant improvements or changes.
Ubisoft has been mindful of these examples, striving to keep the Assassin’s Creed series fresh and engaging. Each new installment aims to introduce new gameplay mechanics, settings, and storylines. For example, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag introduced naval combat, which was a significant departure from the traditional land-based gameplay. Similarly, Assassin’s Creed Origins revamped the combat system and introduced RPG elements, breathing new life into the series.
Balancing Innovation and Familiarity
One of the key challenges for Ubisoft is balancing innovation with familiarity. Fans of the series have come to expect certain elements, such as the parkour mechanics, historical settings, and intricate storylines involving the Assassins and Templars. However, to keep the series from becoming stale, Ubisoft must continually innovate and introduce new features.
The introduction of different historical periods and locations has been one of the series’ strengths. From the Renaissance in Italy to the American Revolution, and from Ancient Egypt to Viking-era England, each game offers a unique setting that provides fresh experiences for players. This approach not only keeps the series interesting but also educates players about different historical periods.
Moreover, Ubisoft has experimented with different types of gameplay within the Assassin’s Creed universe. For instance, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles offered a 2.5D side-scrolling experience, while Assassin’s Creed: Rogue allowed players to see the story from the perspective of a Templar. These variations help to keep the series dynamic and prevent it from becoming monotonous.
Another aspect that Ubisoft has focused on is the narrative depth. The series is known for its complex and interwoven storylines that span multiple games. This narrative richness keeps players invested in the series, as they are eager to see how the story unfolds. The modern-day storyline, which runs parallel to the historical narratives, adds another layer of intrigue and continuity.
In addition to the main series, Ubisoft has expanded the Assassin’s Creed universe through novels, comics, and even a feature film. These additional media forms help to keep the franchise in the public eye and provide fans with more content to enjoy between game releases.
Ultimately, the key to the Assassin’s Creed series’ longevity lies in Ubisoft’s ability to innovate while staying true to the core elements that fans love. By carefully balancing new features with familiar gameplay, and by spacing out releases to avoid oversaturation, Ubisoft can ensure that the series remains exciting and relevant for years to come.
Source Eurogamer
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